Qantas uniforms past and present – in pictures

The first Qantas uniform, designed in 1938. Presumably flying was draughtier then Photograph: Qantas

The Qantas summer uniform, which lasted from 1948 until 1959. The lipstick and coiffed hair was also compulsory – which may explain the absence of male cabin crew Photograph: Qantas

Nipped waists and an assertive stride were de rigueur when in charge of a trolley in 1954
Photograph: Qantas

This ice-blue uniform lasted from 1964 to 1969. The permissive society is denoted by the daring absence of tights
Photograph: Qantas

In deference to the fashions of the day, skirt hemlines rose a couple of inches in these Leon Paule designs which were worn from 1969 to 1971
Photograph: Qantas

Skirt lengths were back around the knee and hats firmly set to 'jaunty' in these uniforms from 1971 to 1974
Photograph: Qantas

Moustaches, lapels you could land a Jumbo on and floral skirts – these Pucci-designed uniforms lasted from 1974 until 1985 Photograph: Qantas/Qantas

A true-blue look from the 80s, courtesy of Yves Saint Laurent. These uniforms came in in 1986 and were retired in 1994 Photograph: Qantas/Qantas

Designer Peter Morrissey unveiled a bold pattern in 2003 Photograph: Qantas

Tight fit? The new Qantas uniform, created by Martin Grant, is the 10th since 1938 Photograph: Qantas